Editor,
How many more videos must go viral before this country admits it has a racism problem? The recent racist attack on young women from Arunachal Pradesh in Malviya Nagar is not an “isolated incident.” It is a mirror and the reflection is ugly. Following a minor residential dispute, three women were allegedly subjected to racial slurs and degrading insinuations targeting their identity. The brazenness of the incident, captured on video, suggests something deeply disturbing: a belief that there will be no real consequences.
In January this year, an Arunachali youth, Arjun Rimo, was reportedly assaulted in Karol Bagh, Delhi after what began as a minor altercation which allegedly escalated into racial abuse and physical violence. Around the same period, a young woman from Meghalaya was rescued by KSU(Khasi Student Union) in Delhi after allegedly being lured with a fake job offer and forced into sexual exploitation- a case that again exposed the vulnerability of North-Eastern women in metropolitan spaces.
For decades, people from the North-East have been asked, “Where are you really from?” mocked for their appearance, stereotyped, fetishised, and treated as foreigners in their own country. Delhi benefits from their talent, their labour, their presence, yet too often withholds dignity.
That three Indian women from Arunachal Pradesh, preparing for the UPSC and staying in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, were racially abused and targeted is not just shocking but shameful as well. That too, over a minor incident involving dust from an AC installation. This is not a neighbourhood dispute but a constitutional failure. When citizens from the North East are treated as outsiders within India, the idea of India itself stands wounded.
Delhi calls itself a global city. Yet for years, students and professionals from the North-Eastern states have faced slurs, suspicion, and social exclusion here. The silence that follows each episode is louder than the abuse itself.
I urge the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, to intervene personally and ensure swift and exemplary action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The National Commission for Women (NCW) must also take immediate cognisance, provide protection to the victims, and demand visible accountability from law enforcement. Symbolic condemnation is no longer enough, we need arrests, prosecution, and consequences.
Racism is not “banter.” It is violence, erodes dignity and divides the nation. If Delhi cannot guarantee safety and respect to citizens from the North-East, what message does that send about our unity?
Enough statements, enough outrage cycles and enough excuses. We North East People Demand Action.
Your’s etc.,
Shivani Pde,
Via email
Another Case of Racial Abuse!
Editor
The reported racial abuse of three young women from Arunachal Pradesh in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, on February 20, 2026, is very disturbing and painful to hear about. The video now circulating online, and the reactions that followed, have left many of us genuinely worried.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” saying the language and behaviour seen in the video were very sad and inexcusable, and warning that such acts hurt the spirit of India’s diversity.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu also strongly condemned the incident as “absolutely unacceptable,” making it clear that such behaviour has no place in society. He immediately spoke to the Delhi Police Commissioner and asked for the absconding accused to be traced quickly and strict action taken.
Leaders across the Northeast, including the Government of Sikkim, have also expressed concern and demanded proper action. When governments of the Northeast have spoken so firmly, leaders in the rest of the country too must raise an equally clear and strong voice, because such behaviour is simply not acceptable in any civilised society.
Sadly, this is not the first time such news has surfaced. In 2014, Nido Tania from Arunachal Pradesh died in Delhi after an assault that was reportedly preceded by racial taunts. In August 2012, panic rumours and threats forced thousands of Northeastern residents to leave Bengaluru, Pune and other cities out of fear. Since then, smaller incidents involving students and working women from the region have come up from time to time in big cities. Each incident may look separate, but together they remind us that prejudice and misunderstanding, sick mentality of the people has still not yet disappeared.
People from the Northeast leave their homes with very simple dreams — to study, to work honestly, and to support their families. Students go out to learn, young women earn their living with dignity, and nurses and professionals from the region serve people across the country day and night. Like any other citizen, they ask only for safety, respect and the freedom to live without fear.
At the same time, every such incident must be handled with full seriousness by the authorities. There must be a prompt, fair and transparent investigation, and anyone found guilty must face strict punishment under the law. Quick justice not only protects the victims but also reassures families and builds public confidence.
The Northeast has given India many reasons to feel proud — from Olympic champions like Mary Kom and Mirabai Chanu to soldiers guarding difficult borders, and countless teachers, artists, officers and entrepreneurs quietly serving the nation every single day. Respecting their dignity is therefore not just a regional issue but a national responsibility.
True national unity is not shown in speeches, but in how safely an ordinary citizen can study, work and walk freely in any part of the country. Every Indian — whether from Shillong, Itanagar, Gangtok, Imphal, Kohima, Aizawl, Agartala or anywhere else — must feel equally safe, respected and at home.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj,
Via email
Imparting CPR Training Must Become a Public Priority
Editor,
The sudden and untimely demise of our Member of Parliament, Ricky A. J. Syngkon, has shaken the conscience of our state. Beyond the grief and tributes, it compels us to confront an urgent public health reality : sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, without warning.
In such critical moments, immediate Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) administered by bystanders can significantly increase survival chances. Yet, in our society, CPR training is neither widespread nor systematically imparted. This gap must be addressed without delay.
It is time we move from awareness to action. CPR training should be formally integrated into school and college curricula, workplace safety programmes, and community initiatives. Dorbar Shnong, Seng Samla, youth organisations and NGOs can collaborate with the Health Department to organise structured training workshops across districts.
Imparting CPR skills does not require years of study; only a few hours of practical training. However, those few hours can mean the difference between life and death.
We cannot undo this tragic loss. But we can ensure that it becomes a turning point , a catalyst for equipping our citizens with life-saving knowledge. A prepared community is a safer community.
Let us commit to building a state where more people are trained, more lives are protected, and fewer families have to endure preventable tragedy.
Yours etc.,
Manisha M Pala,
Via email
